Rigidized protective sleeving

Abstract

Rigidized sleeving for protecting elongated items is disclosed. The sleeving is formed from an open mesh of interlaced filamentary members having flexible edge portions extending along the length of the sleeving. A stiffening matrix is attached to the mesh between the edge portions. The edge portions fold towards one another in an overlapping arrangement to create an inner space between the matrix and the edge portions where the elongated items are retained. The matrix has grooves or projections arranged lengthwise along the sleeving and designed to receive and retain the elongated items. Clips attach the sleeving to an external structure. Hook-and-loop fasteners retain the edge portions in overlapping interengagement.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. Rigidized sleeving for protecting elongated items, said sleeving comprising: 
       a flexible, elongated substrate formed of interlaced, flexible, resilient filamentary members, said substrate having oppositely positioned flexible edge portions extending lengthwise therealong;  
       fastening means positioned along each of said edge portions, said fastening means cooperating to attach said edge portions together to form said sleeving; and  
       a relatively rigid, elongated matrix attached lengthwise along said substrate between said flexible edge portions, said edge portions being positionable in overlying relation with said matrix and attachable to one another with said fastening means to form an interior space between said matrix and said edge portions for receiving said elongated items.  
     
     
       2. Rigidized sleeving according to  claim 1 , wherein said edge portions are dimensioned to overlap one another when in said overlying relationship with said matrix. 
     
     
       3. Rigidized sleeving according to  claim 2 , wherein said fastening means comprises interengagable hooks and loops, said hooks being positioned lengthwise along one of said flexible edge portions, said loops being positioned lengthwise along the other of said flexible edge portions. 
     
     
       4. Rigidized sleeving according to  claim 1 , wherein said matrix is attached to one surface of said substrate. 
     
     
       5. Rigidized sleeving according to  claim 1 , wherein said filamentary members are interlaced by weaving. 
     
     
       6. Rigidized sleeving according to  claim 5 , wherein said matrix comprises a plastic resin extruded onto said substrate. 
     
     
       7. Rigidized sleeving according to  claim 1 , wherein said matrix has a surface positioned within said interior space, said surface having a plurality of grooves arranged lengthwise therealong, said grooves each being dimensioned to receive at least one of said elongated items. 
     
     
       8. Rigidized sleeving according to  claim 1 , wherein said matrix has opposing surfaces oriented substantially parallel with said substrate, said substrate being positioned between said surfaces. 
     
     
       9. Rigidized sleeving according to  claim 8 , wherein said substrate is embedded within said matrix. 
     
     
       10. Rigidized sleeving according to  claim 9 , wherein said filamentary members are interlaced in a relatively open mesh so as to readily accept interpenetration of said matrix and said substrate. 
     
     
       11. Rigidized sleeving according to  claim 8 , wherein said matrix comprises first and second matrix portions arranged on opposite sides of said substrate, said matrix portions being attached to said substrate and capturing it therebetween. 
     
     
       12. Rigidized sleeving according to  claim 9 , wherein said matrix comprises a plastic resin. 
     
     
       13. Rigidized sleeving according to  claim 12 , wherein said matrix is extruded integrally with said substrate. 
     
     
       14. Rigidized sleeving according to  claim 1 , wherein said matrix has a surface substantially co-planar with said substrate, said surface being positioned within said interior space and having a plurality of projections extending outwardly therefrom, said projections being arranged in spaced apart relation to each other and extending lengthwise along said matrix. 
     
     
       15. Rigidized sleeving according to  claim 14 , wherein said projections have a T-shaped cross section, the base of the T shape being attached to said surface, said projections being resiliently flexible to allow them to be deflected away from one another so as to permit an elongated item to be inserted between adjacent projections, said projections resiliently returning to an undeflected position so as to capture said elongated item between said surface and the top of said T shape. 
     
     
       16. Rigidized sleeving according to  claim 14 , wherein said projections have a triangular cross-sectional shape with an apex of the triangle being attached to said surface, said projections being resiliently flexible to allow said projections to be deflected away from one another so as to permit an elongated item to be inserted between adjacent projections, said projections resiliently returning to an undeflected position so as to capture said elongated item between said surface and said adjacent projections, said triangular cross section facilitating said capture. 
     
     
       17. Rigidized sleeving according to  claim 1 , wherein said matrix has a plurality of clips arranged in spaced apart relation lengthwise therealong and outside of said interior space, said clips extending outwardly from said matrix for attaching said sleeving to a supporting structure. 
     
     
       18. Rigidized sleeving according to  claim 1 , wherein one of said edge portions has a plastic resin coating formed thereon.